Fishing Without Bait 495: Creating Yourself Through Choice Points with Santina Grace
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 495: Creating Yourself Through Choice Points with Santina Grace

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back our imaginative, energetic returning guest Santina Grace for Part 2 of a deeply insightful conversation about mindfulness, self-awareness, grounding practices, and the inner battles so many of us face every day. Together, Santina and Jim dive into themes of anchoring thoughts, depersonalization, perspective shifts, emotional resilience, and reclaiming personal agency.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 494: The Myth of Productivity & the Path to Real Joy with Santina Grace
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 494: The Myth of Productivity & the Path to Real Joy with Santina Grace

Clairvoyant medium Santina Grace returns for a powerful conversation about finding joy in a chaotic world. Jim and Santina explore mindfulness, anxiety, fear, the myth of productivity, and how to reconnect with gratitude and inner peace. Learn how small moments, emotional awareness, and grounding techniques can help you manage stress, improve mental health, and rediscover joy with intention.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 493: Why So Many Struggle With Guilt — The Religion Effect Explained
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 493: Why So Many Struggle With Guilt — The Religion Effect Explained

In Episode 493 of Fishing Without Bait, we continue our powerful two-part conversation on the lifelong impact of religiously reinforced guilt, shame, and fear. Building on the foundation set in Episode 492, Jim Ellermeyer and host Mike Sorg peel back the layers of how religious structures shape personal identity, relationships, sexuality, and self-worth.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 492: A Culture Of Guilt Imposed By Religious Structure
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 492: A Culture Of Guilt Imposed By Religious Structure

In this reflective episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer takes listeners on a deeply honest exploration of the one practice most of us struggle with: letting go. Whether it’s fear, resentment, expectations, control, or the stories we’ve carried for far too long, Jim walks us through why release is essential—and how mindfulness helps us loosen our grip.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 491: Discover Your Inherent Truths: The Secret to Confidence & Self-Worth
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 491: Discover Your Inherent Truths: The Secret to Confidence & Self-Worth

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, counselor and mindfulness guide Jim Ellermeyer takes listeners on a thoughtful and practical journey into the world of inherent truths—the deep personal values and qualities that define who we really are beneath expectations, judgment, and fear.

Jim opens the conversation by reminding us that self-discovery isn’t about finding a ready-made identity—it’s about creating ourselves with honesty, open-mindedness, and a willingness to try. He introduces the idea that inherent truths are fundamental aspects of identity that aren’t shaped by outside forces. These truths include qualities like empathy, honesty, dependability, intelligence, and the capacity to learn and love.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 490: What Would Jesus Say to Today’s World Leaders?
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 490: What Would Jesus Say to Today’s World Leaders?

In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 489: Stochastic Rhetoric: The Scary Trick Politicians Use to Manipulate Minds
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 489: Stochastic Rhetoric: The Scary Trick Politicians Use to Manipulate Minds

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg wade into some deep—and dangerous—waters. Together, they explore how stochastic rhetoric and obfuscation have become the most powerful tools in modern political communication.

What do those words mean? In short, they describe how leaders and media use vague, coded, or confusing language to manipulate emotions, create division, and dodge accountability. From “dog whistles” to “plausible deniability,” Jim explains how these tactics quietly shape behavior and beliefs—without ever saying things outright.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 488: Are You Being Fooled by Media? The Truth About Manipulation & Identity Loss
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 488: Are You Being Fooled by Media? The Truth About Manipulation & Identity Loss

In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth.

From emotional manipulation in advertising to influencer culture and data-driven targeting, Jim and Mike unpack the psychological tactics behind today’s media and tech. How does a Power Glove from the ’80s connect to the viral influencer culture of today? Are we in control of our choices—or are we reacting without realizing it?

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 487: Navigating Anxiety and Uncertainty with Mr. Rogers’ Wisdom
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 487: Navigating Anxiety and Uncertainty with Mr. Rogers’ Wisdom

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt reflection on uncertainty, personal growth, and the enduring wisdom of Pittsburgh’s own Fred Rogers. Through the lens of full-impact mindfulness, they explore timeless quotes from Mr. Rogers that continue to offer strength, clarity, and hope in uncertain times.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 485: Feeling Stuck? You Might Be Living on Autopilot
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 485: Feeling Stuck? You Might Be Living on Autopilot

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck on autopilot—wake, work, eat, sleep, repeat?

In this episode, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike Sorg explore the difference between existing and living, breaking down the concept of being a human being versus a human doing. Through real-life examples and mindfulness practices, they help you reclaim your daily life through intentional action, journaling, and presence.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 484: Reclaim Your Emotional Sovereignty Today
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 484: Reclaim Your Emotional Sovereignty Today

In Episode 484 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the inner chaos of racing thoughts and the anxiety that often stems from our own internal storytelling.

They introduce the concept of cognitive clarity—the ability to slow down your thinking, step out of the “mind drama,” and reclaim emotional control from others’ expectations. It’s a call to speak what you create, and create what you speak.

Read More
Classic Fishing Without Bait 378: Dealing with Addiction with Tara V
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Classic Fishing Without Bait 378: Dealing with Addiction with Tara V

We look back at our first conversation with Tara from KeepComingBack.net:

In this episode of the show, Jim Ellermeyer extends a warm welcome to his friend Tara V, who has successfully achieved long-term recovery from addiction. Tara graciously shares her personal story of how she navigated the challenges of addiction and found solace in the 12-step community. She also opens up about her spiritual journey and the transformative experiences that helped her on her path to recovery.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 481: Jesus’ Message Was Simpler Than You Think
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 481: Jesus’ Message Was Simpler Than You Think

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike dive deep into the nature of spirituality and why it’s often misunderstood. While religion can bring structure and community, true spirituality is about something far more personal: connecting with the divine spark within yourself and recognizing it in others.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 480: The 3 Big C’s That Drain Your Happiness (And How to Avoid Them!)
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 480: The 3 Big C’s That Drain Your Happiness (And How to Avoid Them!)

This week, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike take a deep dive into the “Three Big C’s” that can derail our happiness: comparing, criticizing, and complaining. Together, we break down the difference between jealousy and envy, why criticism often comes from unhappiness within ourselves, and how constant complaining can turn people into “emotional vampires.”

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 479: Finding Your Moral Compass: Mindfulness, Recovery & Navigating a Divided World
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 479: Finding Your Moral Compass: Mindfulness, Recovery & Navigating a Divided World

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer dives deep into mindfulness, moral integrity, and navigating a divided world. Jim shares the five essential attributes for living with purpose—knowing right from wrong, having a moral compass, being dependable, being honest, and treating others with courtesy and respect.

Read More
Fishing Without Bait 478: Redefining Success: Vulnerability, Sobriety & the Executive Mindset with Nick Jonsson
Michael Sorg Michael Sorg

Fishing Without Bait 478: Redefining Success: Vulnerability, Sobriety & the Executive Mindset with Nick Jonsson

Fishing Without Bait—hosted by Jim Ellermeyer—continues our conversation (Part 3) with TEDx speaker and best‑selling author Nick Jonsson (Executive Loneliness). We unpack executive mental health, burnout, and recovery as Nick describes moving from “I have to” to “I choose,” owning financial insecurities, confronting toxic masculinity, and evolving from command‑and‑control leadership to an identity grounded in values rather than titles or status.

Read More